South Africa's bowlers had a dismal time on Thursday as England - on their first outing under Alec Stewart's captaincy - notched up 249-1 by close of play.

England's strong showing was mostly due to a formidable opening stand of 179 by Atherton and Mark Butcher.

Stewart and Atherton: night watchmen

Their performance was the 20th highest England opening partnership in history and the fifth highest against the South Africans.

It was also England's best start to a home Test since Graeme Fowler and Chris Tavare shared a 223-run partnership against New Zealand at the Oval 15 years ago and the best by any country ever at Edgbaston.

The tourists' captain Hansie Cronje rotated his bowlers in the hope of making a breakthrough. But he had to wait until the 69th over when Butcher was caught by Jacques Kallis off Donald's delivery for 77.

Mark Butcher: caught for 77

After Butcher's dismissal, Atherton and Stewart continued to frustrate the South Africans in an 85-minute alliance.

It climaxed with Atherton's first century in 24 innings since his 118 against New Zealand in Christchurch in February 1997.

The former England captain, edged medium paceman Shaun Pollock to third man for his 12th boundary to reach his 12th test century, his 46th in first-class cricket.

Atherton, 30, acknowledged the standing ovation of a 15,000-plus crowd and kissed the crest on the helmet after Stewart congratulated him.

"Test match hundreds are always special, especially when you get them against Donald and Pollock. It was more special because I hadn't got one for a long time," he said.

Play ended a few balls later with Atherton on 103 and Stewart on 28.

The scene seemed a far cry from England's 2-1 defeat by the same opponents in the recent one-day match series.

South Africa, who won the toss and opted to field, will be hoping to rediscover some of their recent commanding form when play recommences.

England 1st innings

MA Butcher c Kallis b Adams 77 214 7 0
MA Atherton not out 103 275 12 0
AJ Stewart not out 28 63 3 0

Extras 41

Total 249 (1 wicket, 92 overs) Close - day 1

To Bat: N Hussain, GP Thorpe, MR Ramprakash, MA Ealham, DG Cork, RDB Croft, D Gough, ARC Fraser.

FoW: 1-179 (Butcher, 69.6 ov).

Bowling O M R W
Donald 18 5 43 0 (2w)
Pollock 22 8 37 0 (1w)
Klusener 16 4 45 0
Cronje 11 3 28 0 (1w)
Adams 18 2 47 1
Kallis 7 2 13 0 (1w)